10 of the Best Organisations to Follow That Help Endangered Animals

Throughout my school years, I remember being taught about endangered animals and the organisations that help protect these species. Sadly, the rate at which animals are becoming endangered is increasing at an alarming rate. In celebration of Endangered Species Day 2016, we have researched and listed 10 Of The Best Organisations You Can Follow That Help Endangered Animals.

1. The International Rhino Fund (IRF)

Who are they:

The International Rhino Fund have been funding and operating rhino conservation programs for the last 25 years to ensure the survival of rhinos. Their major operations are in Africa and Asia, where most of the rhino species live. They have their horns in to stop poachers!

The ISF has an online shop where you can buy anything from jewellery, funky rhino printed hoodies, or cute rhino printed baby onesies. All the money raised go towards rhino conservation and you can join their social media #TeamRhino Campaign.

2. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Who are they:

The WWF is probably the most well-known conservation organisation and doesn’t need much of an introduction. They have been fighting for wildlife conservation for various decades and their efforts have not been in vain – they have made a huge difference to our natural world both on land and in the ocean.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

The WWF supports any animals that need protecting and their efforts stretch wide and far – from the freezing Antarctic to the sunny skies of Mexico or the lush bushveld of Africa. Some of the animals they help protect are:

• Sharks in Peril: Providing support to sharks who are in serious danger.

• Diving against Debris: Although this project is not directly focused on a specific animal, its results benefit all marine animals – who doesn’t want a pollution-free ocean?!

How can I join the movement:

Whether you’re a diver already, or just passionate about marine conservation, you can join the Project AWARE movement. They have an online environmental community working together for ocean protection.

4. The Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute is a global, non-profit organisation focused around community-centered conservation efforts. The organisation was founded by Dr Jane Goodall, a primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist, who was passionate about people, animals and our natural world.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

To date, The Jane Goodall Institute has supported:

• Over 1490k acres of habitat.
• Over 5000 chimpanzees and gorillas.
• About 130 communities.

What is their mission:

“The Jane Goodall Institute promotes understanding and protection of great apes and their habitat and builds on the legacy of Dr Jane Goodall, our founder, to inspire individual action by young people of all ages to help animals, other people and to protect the world we all share.”

5. Panthera

Who are they:

Panthera is a wildlife conservation organisation exclusively devoted to protecting our world’s 38 wildcat species. By protecting these big guys, we support the health and survival of plants, others animals, and even humans.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

Their main projects help to protect the most endangered wild cat species:

6. The International Crane Foundation (ICF)

This organisation is built around supporting endangered cranes around the world. Their headquarters are based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in the USA, but their efforts extend across the globe. They have a regional base in China and partnerships in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

As the organisation’s name states, their projects help to protect and restore wild crane populations.

What is their mission:

“The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend.”

8. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Who are they:

The IUCN was the world’s first global environmental organisation and work towards finding solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Over 185 countries form part of the union and they have thousands of field projects around the globe.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

Apart from programmes based on Business, Economics, Gender, Global policy, Social policies, Water and World Heritage, the IUCN also supports various environment focused initiatives and run the Save Our Species project. This project aims to protect and support threatened species and their habitats. The following are only some of the animals that have benefitted from these conservation efforts:

10. Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife work to protect and restore endangered species in North America and around the world.

Which endangered animals do they protect:

Defenders plan their support efforts according to The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and support any imperilled wildlife and plants through conservation projects. They have successfully helped to protect:

• Polar Bears in the Arctic
• Fishers in Washington
• Bison in the Colorado Prairie

What is their vision:

“Diverse wildlife populations in North America are secure and thriving, sustained by a network of healthy lands and waters.”

These organisations are doing a great job in protecting, conserving and restoring our planet. In celebration of Endangered Species Day 2016, help us contribute to these organisations to give them the support they deserve.

GVI is an international award-winning volunteer organisation. Learn about our wildlife and marine conservation projects and internships in 11 countries around the world.